A biology degree is the starting point for an exciting career, but getting the degree can be an expensive process — and that’s where the best biology scholarships come in handy. These awards can help you pay for everything from tuition and fees to housing costs. With so many options available for every specialization and degree type, it’s possible to find financial support for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in the biological sciences. These 30 scholarships are some of the best options available.
1. PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Enrolled or accepted to a U.S. college or university
- Majoring in a STEM field
Earn $2,000 toward college with this award, which is given by PixelPlex. The goal of the scholarship is to support students pursuing STEM careers, including biology. The company awards one scholarship each application period; the committee bases its decision on an essay that’s related to trending topics in technology. Essays are due by June 5th or December 5th.
2. 4‑H Youth in Action Awards
Eligibility
- Current or former 4-H member
- Age 15-19
If you have a history of participation in 4-H, the Youth in Action Award is a great way to supplement your college funding. Each award comes with $5,000 plus an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. The application process requires you to answer an essay question, upload photos, and create a 60-second video about what 4-H has meant to you. Finalists are chosen based on these submissions; the second round includes an interview to determine the winner. Apply by May 18th.
3. ABC Humane Wildlife Academic Scholarship
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled at a U.S. college
- Studying science, engineering, math, or technology
- Identify as female
The ABC Humane Wildlife Academic Scholarship, which is given by ABC Humane Wildlife, is designed to boost the number of women studying in STEM fields. To apply, you’ll need to submit a short essay. One $1,000 award is given every year; the company also offers up to nine other awards based on the results of the competition. These funds can be used for any costs, including housing and transportation. The application deadline is July 1st.
4. Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- Graduating senior in a high school in the Albuquerque metro area
- Minimum GPA of 3.8
- ACT of 30 or higher or SAT of 1400 or higher
- Planning to attend college full-time
This award is given to students with a strong background in math or science. In addition to meeting the stringent academic qualifications, applicants must explain their career goals in math or science in the personal statement. Plan to submit at least one letter of recommendation. This award offers $10,000 over four years; applications are due by April 2nd.
5. AABE Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Graduating high school senior
- African American, Hispanic, or Native American
The AABE scholarships are given by the American Association of Blacks in Energy as a way to encourage students from underrepresented minorities to attend college and pursue a STEM career. Your application will be reviewed by a local AABE chapter; then, the national committee selects the final winners. The application deadline is May 15th.
6. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF) Awards
Eligibility
- Undergraduate student
- Enrolled in a U.S. educational institution
For students who are interested in pharmacology research, the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) offers this summer fellowship. If you’re accepted, you’ll get $2,800 and the chance to work on a research project on your break from school. Apply directly through your university’s SURF program; alternatively, you can apply for an individual award through ASPET. Applications are due by February 3rd.
7. Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship
Eligibility
- Graduating high school senior in one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver, Fayette, Washington, or Westmoreland
- Applying to a two-year or four-year institution
Each year, the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania offers the Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship to a student who is interested in using their biology degree for a career in conservation or environmental education. Each award is $2,500. The application, which includes a personal statement and an essay, is due by May 4th.
8. University of Virginia Blandy Experimental Farm Undergraduate Research Program
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Undergraduate student
- Available for the full 11-week program
Spend 11 weeks over the summer working on ecology and environmental science research projects with this program, which is given by the Blandy Experimental Farm. If you’re accepted, you’ll receive a stipend of $8,260, free housing, and funds for your own research projects. If needed, you can also get travel support. The application is due by February 15th.
9. Boren Awards
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED
The Boren Awards, which include scholarships and fellowships, are distributed by the National Security Education program. Winners receive funding to study a language or culture in another country. You may be applying to an existing program, or you can design your own. Awards vary based on the program length, but usually range from $8,000 to $24,000. Applications for the fellowships are due by January 27th; the scholarship application deadline is February 3rd.
10. CGCS Bernard Harris Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Accepted as a full-time student to an accredited four-year program
Administered by the Council of the Great City Schools, the Bernard Harris Scholarship program is designed to support minority students who are studying fields related to science, technology, engineering, or math. If you win, you’ll earn $5,000 toward the costs of your education. The Council offers four awards each year. Apply by April 6th.
11. Clarkston Scholars Program
Eligibility
- College sophomore at an institution in Pennsylvania
- Studying one of the life sciences
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
Run by Clarkston Consulting, the Clarkston Scholars Program helps students who are planning a career in the life sciences. You can apply as a college sophomore; if you win, you’ll get $10,000 spread out over your last two years of school. This scholarship also comes with a mentorship and networking events. Submit your application materials by January 15th.
12. Creative Biolabs Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- Enrolled at an accredited college or university
- Majoring in a field related to science
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Earn $1,000 toward the cost of school with this scholarship, which is awarded by Creative Biolabs. To apply, you’ll need to submit transcripts, one letter of application, and an essay; keep in mind that the award committee takes into consideration your academics, leadership, and social involvement. All application materials are due by September 15th.
13. Dannon Microbiome, Yogurt and Probiotics Fellowship Grant
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Incoming full-time graduate student in good standing
If you’re pursuing research related to the gut microbiome, you can apply for this grant from Dannon. The award, which is given to two people every year, totals $25,000. The funds can be used for either tuition or research. The scholarship committee evaluates applicants based on a research proposal, academic performance, and your recommendation. Your application is due by February 14th; you must submit a letter of recommendation by February 24th.
14. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Eligibility
- Age 18 or younger
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have a considerable body of work in one of the award categories
- Available to attend the awards reception
Get between $10,000 and $50,000 for school with this program, which is given by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. This award is given to extraordinary high school students who have completed a significant project; past winners have built technology platforms to create personalized cancer treatments and created early warning systems for virus detection. In addition to the application, you must submit a visual model that represents your work. The deadline to apply is February 10th.
15. Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- High school senior in Salt Lake County, Utah or Orange County, California
- Child of an Edwards Lifesciences employee
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Show financial need
Each year, the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation gives 12 $2,500 scholarships to students who are going into a STEM field of study. The program is open to children of the company’s employees. As the committee considers applications, they look at academics, school participation, leadership, and other activities. Be sure to highlight any unique personal stories, as they are given special consideration. Apply by May 26th.
16. Emily M. Hewitt and Stephen K. Stocking Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility
- Full-time student at any accredited post-secondary institution in California
- Nature-related career plans
- Major relating to the environment, recreation, biology, or history
This award is given by the Calaveras Big Trees Association in memory of Emily M. Hewitt and Stephen K. Stocking, two people who were passionate about nature. Winners receive $2,500 toward their education. It’s important to note that the scholarship committee places a high level of importance on each applicant’s passion and demonstrated interest in the ideals of the program. Apply by April 15th to be considered.
17. EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- Current sophomore in a four-year program
- Majoring in a STEM field related to NOAA’s programs and mission
- 3.2 minimum GPA
This program offers up to $45,000 for your last two years of college. In addition to the scholarship, winners get a paid internship with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which funds the award. That’s not all; you’ll also get expenses-paid travel to a training session and the Education and Science Symposium. All of your application materials are due by January 31st.
18. Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
Eligibility
- Current sophomore in a four-year program
- Majoring in a field related to NOAA’s work
- 3.0 minimum GPA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers this award, which includes up to $9,500 for two years of college. Winners also get a paid summer internship for 10 weeks at a NOAA location, as well as mentorship and paid conference travel. If you’re interested in science at the government level, this is one of the best biology scholarships available; its goal is to improve the education and training in NOAA’s areas of interest and to create the next generation of scientists interested in public service. Apply by January 31st.
19. Franklin D. Boyce Health Scholarship
Eligibility
- Attending or planning to attend college with at least six credit hours per semester
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Demonstrated financial need
If you’re planning to use your biology degree in a health-related field, this award from the John Randolph Foundation can help. Recipients get $2,500; the funds are sent to your university, and can be used for tuition, books, and on-campus room and board. The evaluation committee scores applications with an emphasis on financial need and academics, but your recommendations, extracurriculars, and personal statement also factor into the decision. The application deadline is February 15th.
20. Furman Scholars program
Eligibility
- High school junior
- GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Significant community service or extracurricular participation
- Leadership potential
- Minimum test scores of 1360 SAT, 1360 PSAT, or 29 ACT
The Furman Scholars program, which is run by Furman University, provides $20,000 or more to each winner. Winners are chosen based on their academic records and history of involvement, both at school and in the community. To be considered, you must be nominated by your school counselor by April 1st.
21. The Heinlein Society Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- Full-time undergraduate student
- Attending an accredited university with Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees
- Studying one of the approved fields
The Heinlein Society offers three scholarships every year, each worth $2,500. The requirements vary; the Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship, for example, is open only to women. One application is good for all of the awards; expect to submit a statement about your history and career goals as well as an essay on one of the Society’s provided topics. Applications are due by April 1st.
22. Jewels Academy’s Cognizant Scholarship
Eligibility
- Female
- Majoring in a STEM field
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Enrolling or currently enrolled at a 2-year or 4-year accredited institution
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Attended two or more Saturday workshops at Jewels Academy
The goal of this award, which is funded by Cognizant and administered by Jewels Academy, is to increase the number of women pursuing a STEM education. To apply, you’ll need to have attended at least two of the Saturday workshops that are put on by Jewels Academy in Des Moines, Iowa. Apply by May 7th.
23. Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation Scholarships
Eligibility
- Documented learning challenge
- Accepted to or attending an accredited undergraduate program
- Majoring in a STEM field
The Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation gives out a variety of awards each year, most ranging from $500 to $2,500. These scholarships can be used for a variety of costs related to your education, including books, tutoring, and assistive technologies related to a learning challenge. The application process requires you to submit proof of your challenge, a recommendation letter, and transcripts. Submit all of your materials online by March 13.
24. Virginia Lakes and Watershed Association Leo Bourassa Scholarship
Eligibility
- Attenting an accredited institution in Virginia full-time
- Virginia resident
- Have completed two or more semesters in an undergraduate program
- Majoring in an approved field
If you’re a resident of Virginia studying in a field related to water resources, you may be eligible for the Leo Bourassa Scholarship. Given by the Virginia Lakes and Watershed Association, this award usually ranges from $500 to $3,000. As they consider your application, the scholarship committee takes into account academics, previous experience with water resources, and extracurricular involvement. Applications are due by April 1st.
25. College of Saint Mary Marie Curie Scholarship
Eligibility
- High school GPA of 3.5 or higher or a college GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Accepted to the College of Saint Mary
- Majoring in biology, math, or chemistry
Given through a partnership with the National Science Foundation and the College of Saint Mary, this award offers $80,000 for four years of college. Winners also receive the opportunity to do undergraduate research, get conference funding, attend networking events, have a mentor, and receive free tutoring. Apply by December 13th; if you make it through the first round, you’ll be asked to participate in a finalist interview the following January or February.
26. Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- Resident of Massachusetts
- U.S. citizen
- Enrolled in a high-need bachelor’s program at the University of Massachusetts
- First-time bachelor’s degree seeker
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
To boost the number of professionals coming into high-demand careers, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education has created this scholarship program. It’s given to students at the University of Massachusetts students who are studying for a STEM degree. If you’re enrolled full-time, you can get up to $6,500 per year; part-time students can get up to $3,250 per year. The application deadline is March 20th.
27. National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association Scholarship
Eligibility
- Majoring in horticulture or bioengineering
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Achieved junior status at an accredited university
For students who are interested in a career in horticulture and bioengineering, the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association offers up to $4,000 in educational support. As part of the application process, expect to submit your college transcripts and letters of recommendation. Apply by May 1st to be considered.
28. Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship
Eligibility
- Resident of Washington counties King, Pierce, and Snohomish
- High school senior
- Planning to attend a college in Washington state full-time
- U.S. citizen
The Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund offers up to 40 awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 per year; winners can renew their scholarships as long as they meet the renewal criteria. To apply, you’ll need to get the application from your school counselor. In addition, plan to submit a copy of your FAFSA, a photo, a letter of recommendation, transcripts, and proof of your citizenship. If you’ve taken the SAT or ACT, the committee will ask for your scores. Apply by March 1st.
29. National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Accepted or enrolled at an accredited four-year program in the United States
- 3.3 GPA or higher
- Demonstrated financial need
The National Institutes of Health’s undergraduate scholarship program supports students who come from disadvantaged situations. To qualify, you must be planning to pursue an education and a career in health research related to biomedical, behavioral, or social science. Winners receive up to $20,000 per year for up to four years; these funds can go toward tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. In addition, you’ll be expected to attend a Summer Laboratory Experience and spend at least one year working with the NIH after graduation. The application deadline is March 18th.
30. Novus Biologicals Scholarship Program
Eligibility
- Declared major in a science field
- U.S., Canadian, or European resident
Novus Biologicals offers this $1,500 scholarship to a student who is pursuing a science degree. There is no GPA requirement, and you can use the funds for a school in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. The application is simple, and includes a written statement and a short personal statement relating to your career goals. Submit your application by July 29th.
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